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Post by Avinalaff on Dec 30, 2013 23:21:26 GMT
Alcaraz - it's great to be back Antolin Alcaraz admitted he could not have asked for a better Everton debut after his composed display helped the Blues end 2013 in the top four.
The 31-year-old central defender has been sidelined with a hamstring complaint since arriving from Wigan in the summer, but started yesterday’s 2-1 win over Southampton at Goodison that ensured Roberto Martinez’s men concluded the year ahead of rivals Liverpool in the fourth Champions League qualifying spot.
Alcaraz proved an able deputy for injured skipper Phil Jagielka, and the Paraguay international said: “It’s been a very long wait for me to get involved, so it was a nice way to come in and play my first game at home. The result and the support was great.
“It has been a difficult time but every player goes through tough spells and I’m happy now it’s behind me and I can enjoy this moment with the team.
“I think it was a good game. They were a nice side that played some quick football but we made the best of it and got the three points.
“I think every three points is important now. One loss changes everything, and we know how hard it is in the Premier League so we couldn’t slip up.
“For us we’re focusing on each game and then at the end of the season we’ll see where we are.
“I’d enjoy it if we could get back into Europe but there’s a long way to go. We need to focus on improving and getting as many points as possible.
“For me I just want to keep playing and see how it goes. The manager has been great with me but also the players. This is a good team to be in and even with my situation.”
Alcaraz was full of praise for Seamus Coleman, who scored Everton’s thunderous opener – and James McCarthy, who he knows well from the pair’s spell at the DW Stadium under Martinez.
“Seamus is in a great moment,” he said. “I love seeing him play. I hope he can continue like this all season. He was a really good bargain too.
“James also. He had a great game and has performed well in every game. He has a great future and has improved with every week he has been here.
“He gives you a lot of help at the back and I think he’ll get even better too.
“It’s easy to forget he’s only 23. He is a real leader for the team.
“It didn’t surprise me when the manager went in for him in the summer because he showed his potential with Wigan.”
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Post by jimmy on Dec 31, 2013 13:06:53 GMT
Shouldn't great to be back be great to be finally here?  |
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